Much too often blurred headlines are intended to reduce the damage of ugly, despicable truth. Like the dirty secret former Subway spokesman, Jared Fogle, tried in vain to hide. Fogle has agreed to a plea bargain and in that bargain is information that leaves a bad memory to a man who used a facade to escalate a sick part of his life behind the scenes. In 1999, Fogle’s weight loss story ran in the Indiana University’s newspaper. That story would become the platform for Fogle’s multi-million dollar success.
In 2004, Fogle opened the doors of The Jared Foundation. This foundation is reportedly intended to help fight child obesity, but following the recent charges, one has to wonder if a darker intent was at play.
Fogle was not alone in his malicious behaviors. His friend and the head of the Jared Foundation, Russell Charles Taylor, Jr., was just arrested in July for producing and possessing child pornography. The light of suspicion moved over to Fogle and his home was invaded by federal agents. Computers were confiscated, and Fogle’s wife of five years stood by stunned after hearing the charges against her husband. Katie McLaughlin is currently in the process of filing divorce papers.
As Taylor’s investigation heated up, so did the scrutiny on Fogle. Law enforcement sources advised Taylor hid cameras around his home to video tape children in the home and those visiting. But it was just more than photos of clothed children. Taylor produced child pornography in his home and reportedly passed it over to Fogle. The Foundation owner had hidden files on his computer holding images of child pornography with children as young as 6-years-old.
Following Taylor’s arrest, Fogle feigned ignorance and shared how he was “shocked” by the news. The star was nothing more than a twisted liar masquerading behind a public facade.
What Is the Deep Web? The Good, Bad and Deplorable
Reportedly, Fogle traveled to New York on two different occasions to engage in sexual acts with minors. Allegedly, he paid a 17-year-old girl in New York to find a girl as “young as possible” who would engage in sexual relations with him. She reportedly brought a 16-year-old girl to him. Today, Fogle faced a judge regarding the charges of traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and one count of distribution and receipt of child abuse images. It is likely he will receive 12 years or less behind bars.
In court documents obtained via Guardian, Fogle will pay $1.4 million in restitution to 14 minor victims, register as a sexual offender, and enter a treatment program for sexual disorders.
For years Fogle played possum behind a deplorable act of violation against children. Yet, it is likely he will never see beyond a decade a prison. He is currently released under electronic monitoring, pending a future hearing date. Fogle’s attorney released a statement on his client’s behalf advising Fogle accepts responsibility for what he has done and
He is also volunteering to make restitution to those affected by his deplorable behavior. While Jared fully recognizes that such monetary contribution will not undo the harm he has caused, he is hopeful it will assist these individuals as they try to move forward with their lives.
Taylor is reportedly cooperating with officials and may also be presented with a plea bargain.